Control mechanism for article transfer devices



Jan. 5, 1954 J, E SOCKE 2,665,013

CONTROL MECHANISM FOR ARTICLE TRANSFER DEVICES INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS Jan. 5, 1954 J. E.' socKE CONTROL MECHANISM FOR ARTICLE TRANSFER DEVICES s Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 30, 1948 JNVENTOR. M

50i/ECE 0F VACUUM BYDQEW 9M ,M f7 mi A TTOR/VEYS 70 SOURCE 0F COMPRESSE@ fw? JZ Jan. 5, 1954 J. E. SOCKE CONTROL MECHANTSM ECR ARTICLE TRANSFER DEVICES Filed June 50, 1948 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 A 7 Tof'wf Ys Patented Jan. 5, 1954 `CONTROL MECHANISM FOR ARTICLE TRANSFER DEVICES John E. Socke, Pelham Manor, N. Y., assignor to American Can Company, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New Jersey Application June 30, 1948, Serial No. 36,177

9 Claims.

This invention relates to a machine having transfer devices for transferring articles from one station to another as an incident in treating or performing various operations upon the articles and has particular reference to mechanism for controlling the operation of the transfer devices in accordance with the effective holding of an article prior to its transfer and the full release of the article after its transfer. Reference is here made to my copending United States application Serial Number 36,175, filed June 30, 1948, on Machine for Feeding, Transferring and Compacting Articles Into a Unit Layer, now Patent No. 2,619,237, and to the joint application of John E. Socke and Lloyd l-l. Weber, Serial Number 36,176, filed June 30, 1948, on Bag Filling or Packing Machine, now Patent No. 2,524,846, issued October i0, 1950.

An object of the invention is the provision of control mechanism in a machine having transfer devices for transferring articles from one station to another wherein the transfer of an article is delayed until the article is securely gripped by the transfer devices to insure positive and safe transfer of the article.

Another object is the provision of control echanism for Such a machine wherein the return of the transfer devices upon delivering a transferred article is delayed until the transferred article is, fully released from the transfer devices to insure positive and safe delivery of the transferred article.

Another object is the provision of such a control mechanism wherein a fluid medium is utilized to control the operation of the transfer devices and to simultaneously control the gripping of the articles prior to and during transfer and to release the transferred articles upon delivery after transfer.

Another object is the provision of such a control mechanism wherein adjustment may be made for articles of different Weights so that the mechanism may be set for controlling the operation of the transfer devices in accordance with a definite Weight of article so as to insure proper gripping of an article to be transferred and proper releasing of a transferred article, in accordance with the weight of the articles being transferred.

Numerous other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent as it is better understood from the following description, which, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment thereof.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure l is a top plan view of a machine embcdying the present invention, with parts broken away and parts shown in section;

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the machine shown in Fig. l, with parts broken away and with parts in section;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional View taken substantially along the line 3 3 in Fig. 2 showing details of an air actuated lifter device, with parts broken away;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional View taken substantially along the broken line i-ll in Fig. 2 and showing the details of a vacuum control mechanism, with parts broken away;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional detail of one of the air valves used in the machine, with parts broken away; and

Fig. 6 is a wiring diagram of the electric control system used in the machine.

As an exemplary embodiment of the present invention the drawings illustrate a machine for transferring articles A (Fig. 2) preferably containers or cans, from a receiving station B into a delivery station C as an incident to treating or performing various operations upon the articles.

In the machine, the articles A to be transferred, are received, from any suitable source of supply, on a table or receiving platform D located at the receiving station B (as viewed at the left in Fig. 2). At this station the articles are located directly beneath a transfer device E which is movable both vertically and horizontally relative to the stations B, C and which is equipped with gripper elements F. 'Ihese gripper elements F preferably are vacuumizable cups on which a vacuum is drawn for gripping the articles to be transferred, although the invention is equally well adapted 'to other gripper elements such as for example those which are operated by other fluid gripper mediums.

In the cycle of operation of the machine the transfer device E iirst moves vertically downward and engages its gripper cups F against the articles on the platform D. While the transfer device E is in this lowered position its gripper cups F are vacuumized to grip and firmly hold the articles.

Provision is made to insure positive gripping and holding of the articles before the transfer device E again moves. This is brought about through a vacuum control mechanism G (Fig. 4). This mechanism holds the transfer device against movement until a high enough vacuum is created within the gripper cups F to firmly grip and hold the articles. When this predetermined degree of vacuum is reached, the control mechanism operates to permit movement of the transfer device. In this manner the transfer device is prevented from moving without taking the articles with it. The transfer device thereupon moves up to its original position and thus lifts the articles to a position above the receiving platform D.

While a new batch of articles A is being received on the platform D, the transfer device E shifts into the delivery station C, carrying the suspended articles with it and locating them over a delivery table or platform H disposed at the station C. Upon arrival at this station, the transfer device immediately moves down. In this lowered position of the transfer device the vacuum within the gripper cups F is broken to release the articles from the cups and thus deliver the articles onto the table H.

At this point in the cycle of operation of the machine, the control mechanism G again comes into play and prevents the transfer device E from further movement (upward movement) until the vacuum in the gripper cups F is sufliciently dissipated to fully release the articles from the gripper cups. ln this manner the transfer device is prevented from moving up again before the articles are fully released from the cups and thereby damage to the articles is prevented by the transfer device prematurely lifting the articles from the table H and releasing them in mid-air when the vacuum is not dissipated fast enough.

When the vacuum within the cups F is dissiplated or reduced to a degree sucient to permit the full release of the articles from the cups, the control mechanism G permits the transfer device E to rise to its original elevation leaving the articles A on the table H. The transfer device then returns or shifts back (toward the left) into the receiving station B for a repeat cycle of operation. During this return movement of the transfer device, the articles transferred onto the delivery table H are operated upon and/or dispsoed of in any suitable manner. This portion of the machine forms no part of the instant invention and therefore its disclosure and description is omitted. This completes the cycle of operation of the machine.

A detailed description of the machine will now be given. IThe receiving table or platform D (Fig. 2) which supports the articles A is mounted on horizontally disposed support beams II which are secured to other vertical and horizontal members forming a unitary structure and providing a frame I2 which constitutes the main frame of the machine. A stop member I3 carried on the support beams ii and projecting above the table D locates the articles on the table for transfer.

The transfer device E includes a horizontally disposed, rectangular shaped carriage I4 (Figs. l and 2) mounted on four rollers I5 which ride on a pair of spaced and parallel traclrs IG secured to the top of the machine frame I2. These tracks extend horizontally of the machine above the receiving platform D and the delivery platform H.

The carriage supports a lifter pad i7 (Figs, 2, 3 and 4) which comprises a pair of flat horizontally disposed upper and lo ver rectangular plates secured together as a unitary structure and which are movable vertically toward and away from the platforms D and H at their respective stations. 'Ihe lower plate carries a plurality of depending vacuum tubes or pipes 2| which terminate in the vacuum or gripper cups F hereinbefore mentioned. There is one tube 2I and cup F for each article on the receiving table D. The upper ends of the tubes communicate with interconnected vacuum channels or grooves 23 formed in the top surface of the lower plate of the lifter pad I'i.

The lifter pad I'l normally is disposed in an elevated position on the carriage I4 and is moved toward and away from the platforms D and H by compressed air devices which include a vertical closed cylinder 2 (Fig. 3) supported on and movable with the carriage. The cylinder contains a piston 25 mounted on a piston rod 26 which extends down through the cylinder and is secured in the upper plate of the lifter pad. Pilot or guide pins 2 secured in the upper plate of the lifter pad extend up through sleeves 3I secured to the carraige Ie and guide the lifter pad I'I against turning during its vertical travel.

Compressed air is continuously intro-duced into the cylinder 2li adjacent its lower end by an inlet pipe 32 (Figs. l and 3) which leads from any suitable source of air under pressure. This air exerts its force against the lower lace of the piston 'ci and thus holds the pad in its uppermost position (Fig. 3). This is the normal position of the lifter pad.

Vertical movement ci the lifter pad I? is eiiected by compressed air which is introduce-l into the cylinder 2li at its upper end above the piston 25, through a pipe 33 (Figs. l and 2) which is connected into the cylinder 24 and into a normally closed lifter valve 34. This valve is connected by a pipe 35 to the source of air under pressure. The pipe 35 is spaced above the pipe 33 as shown in Fig. 5.

The flow of air through the valve 3d is controlled by a valve slide 36 disposed within the valve and formed with an annular by-pass groove 31. rThis valve slide 36 is connected to a core 4I of a normally de-energized electric solenoid i2 mounted in the valve 34. A compression spring i3 interposed between the end of the core iii and a cover plate i4 of the valve retains the valve slide 35 in its normal closed position as shown in Fig. 5. In this position the valve slide cuts off the supply of air from the .supply pipe 35 and maintains its groove 37 in communication with the inlet pipe 33 and with a vent port E formed in the valve 341 just below the pipe 35.

When the solenoid d2 is energized it draws its core 4I and the valve slide 3S upward in the valve 34 and this closes the vent port and opens the supply pipe 35 to communication with the inlet pipe 33. Hence compressed air from the pipe 35 passes through the valve by-pass groove 31, and the pipe 33 into the cylinder 24 and exerts its force against the upper face of the piston. Since this upper face is greater in area than the lower face by an amount equal to the area of the piston rod, the air above the piston pushes the piston down in its cylinder. rThis action lowers the lifter pad Il' and thus moves the vacuum cups F down onto the articles A on the receiving platform D.

As soon as the lifter pad I? reaches the bottom of its stroke, and the vacuum cups F engage the articles A, a vacuum is drawn on the cups F for the purpose of gripping the articles for a subsequent lifting action with the lifter pad to remove the articles from the platform D as hereinbefore mentioned. The vacuumizing of the vacuum cups F is brought about by a cup venting and vacuumizing mechanism supported on a vertically disposed combination vent and vacuum tube 5I (Fig. 4) projecting up from and movable with the lifter pad Il. The lower end of the tube is threadedly secured in the upper plate of the lifter pad and communicates with the interconnected vacuum channels 23 in the lower plate.

The upper end of the vent vacuum tube 5l supports a cross type pipe fitting 52 on `which a normally open solenoid actuated vent valve 53 (Fig. 4) and a normally closed solenoid actuated vacuum valve 5@ are carried. The normally open vent valve 53 is connected by and is supported on a short pipe 55 threadedly secured in the '.dtting 52. The valve 53 is formed with a bore 56 in which a valve slide 5l operates. Opposite the pipe 55, the valve bore 56 communicates with a short vent tube 6| which is secured in the valve casing and which is open` to the atmosphere. The valve slide 5l at its upper end is connected to a core E52 of a normally energized electric solenoid 63' enclosed in the valve casing. The core is maintained under pressure of a compression spring interposed between the upper end of the core and the top of the valve casing. The normally energized solenoid keeps the slide valve 57 in a raised position as shown in Fig. 4 and thus normally admits the outside air through the vent tube 6l, vent valve 53, pipe 55, fitting 52, vent- Vacuum tube 5i and channels 23 leading to the vacuum cups F. v

The normally closed vacuum valve 54 is connected by and is supported on a short pipe 65 also threadedly secured in the tting 52 (Fig. 4). rThe valve is formed with a bore 5@ in which a valve slide 5l operates. Opposite the pipe 55, the valve bore te communicates with a vacuum pipe ll which is secured in the valve casing. The outer end of this vacuum pipe is connected to a ilexible connector l2 leading to any suitable source of vacuum. Communication between the vacuum pipe li and the pipe 65 is normally cut oir by the vacuum Valve slide 51 in the valve bore 55. This valve slide 61 is connected at its upper end to a core 73 of a normally de-energized electrie solenoid ld enclosed in the valve casing. The core is maintained under pressure of a compression spring l5 interposed between the upper end of the core and the top of the valve casing.

Upon reaching the bottom of its downward stroke the lifter paid Il engages and operates an electric switch 'i5 (Fig. 2) for starting the operation of the venting and vacuumizing mechanism. The switch it is connected in suitable electric circuits, to be hereinafter explained in connection with the wiring diagram and the operation of this switch immediately de-energizes the vent solenoid 53 and simultaneously energizes the vacuum solenoid is of the venting and vacuumizing mechanism. The vent valve 53 thereupon closes and cuts off communication between the outside atmosphere and the gripper cups F through the tting 52. At the same time, the vacuum valve 5d opens and establishes communication between the gripper cups F and the vacuum supply pipe 'EL Thus the vacuum cups F, by way of the channels 22 in the lifter pad Il and the vent vacuum tube 5I connecting with these channels and the tting 52 are subjected to the vacuum pull in the vacuum pipe 'H and are thus vacuumized, with the result that they grip the articles A disposed on the platform D.

The vacuumizing of the gripper cups F also effects the operation of the control mechanism G which holds the lifter pad l1 in its lowered position until a predetermined high degree of vacuum, sumcient to lift the articles A as here- 6 inbefore mentioned; is created in the gripper cups F. For this purpose the control mechanism G includes a high vacuum diaphragm control device J (Fig. 4) which is in communication with the gripper cups F and with the venting and the vacuumizing mechanism hereinbefore described. The control device J is mounted above the vent valve 53 (Fig. 4) on a pipe 8| secured in a T type tting 52 mounted on the upper end of a vertical pipe 83 which at its lower end is secured in the iitting 52.

The control device J includes a vertically disposed housing 34 having a chamber 85 which is closed and sealed by a cover 85. A flexible and yieldable diaphragm 8i is secured in the joint between the housing and the cover. This diaphragm carries a button 9i the upper surface of which engages against a movable switch element 92 of a normally closed electric switch 93 carried on the cover 35i. This switch is connected through a suitable circuit with the nor mally deenergized valve solenoid 42 which controls the lifting of the lifter pad Il as will be more fully explained hereinafter. The button 9i is held normally against the cover 86, to keep the switch 93 closed, by a counterpressure com pression spring Sii which is located within the housing 84 and is interposed between the button 9i and a retaining member 95. This retaining member is seated on the upper or inner end of a manually operated adjusting screw which is threadedly secured in the bottom of the housing 84.

Thus by manually adjusting the screw S5, the counterpressure of. the spring 95 against the diaphragm ci may be changed and set at a predetermined amount. Aiter an adjustment oi the counterpressure on the spring, the screw may be locked in position by a lock nut 9i threadedly attached to the screw. The adjustment of the pressure on the diaphragm is made in accordance with the weight of the articles A being handled Ain the machine so that when a vacuum high enough to lift the articles, is created in the Vent-vacuum system, the vacuum pull on the diaphragm will overcome the pressure of the spring.

Hence when the vacuum is drawn on the cups F, to grip the articles A, it is simultaneously drawn on the diaphragm t?. When this vacuum reaches a degree high enough to correspond with the setting of the spring dal, it pulls or fleXes the diaphragm downwardly against the counterpressure of the spring. This flexing of the diaphragm permits the switch S3 to open and thus breaks the circuit containing the lifter solenoid d'2. The solenoid thereby becomes deenergized. In this manner control of the movement of the lifter pad Il is effected to insure positive picking up of the articles A before the pad begins its lifting action.

The de-energizing of the lifter solenoid 42 permits the valve 3d to close and thus cut orf the supply of compressed air into the upper end of the air cylinder 24 (Figs. 3 and 5). This ac tion also uncovers the vent opening l5 and thus releases the compressed air in the upper end of the cylinder to the atmosphere. Hence, the constant supply of compressed air in the lower end of the cylinder 24 moves the piston 25 through its return or upward stroke to its original position, thus raising the lifter pad il with the gripped articles A held in suspension above the platform D as hereinbefore mentioned.

When the lifter pad il reaches the top of its return stroke and is in its normal raised position, the transfer carriage I4 is shifted to the right (as viewed in Fig. 2) .along the rails |.6 from its location over the platform D to a position over the platform H. During this movement of the transfer carriage and the pad carried thereby, the vacuum is maintained on the vacuum cups F to hold the articles A in suspended position.

Movement of the transfer carriage I4 is effected preferably by compressed air which is introduced into a long horizontally disposed closed transfer cylinder (Figs. l, 2 and 3) which is located adjacent the path of travel of the carriage and which is mounted on a bracket |02 secured to the main frame l2. This cylinder contains a piston |23 (Fig. 1) which is connected to a long piston rod |04,the opposite end of which is bolted to the carriage |4.

In the cylinder |0| as in the lifter pad .Cylin-4 der 24, compressed air from any suitable source of supply is continuously introduced into the piston rod end of the cylinder by way of a pipe |05 (Figs. 1 and 2) to normally maintain the carriage in a predetermined position over the platform D. The opposite end of the cylinder receives compressed air from the same source of supply by way of a pipe |06 (Fig. 1) which connects with a control valve |01. This valve is operated by a normally deenergized electric solenoid |I| and is similar to the valve 34 (Fig. 5) and its solenoid 42.

Hence when the solenoid ||I is energized it opens its valve |01 and this permits compressed air to enter the outer end of the cylinder I0| in front of the piston |03 and thus forces the piston toward the right (as viewed in Fig. 2). The movement of the piston shifts the carriage I4 into the delivery station C as illustrated by the dot and dash lines in Fig. 2.

When the carriage I4 comes to rest over the platform H at the delivery station C, the lifter pad I'I and the suspended articles A are moved down to deposit the articles on the table or platform H. This is effected by reenergizing the lifter pad solenoid 42 (Fig. 5) of the valve 34. The re-energizing of the solenoid opens the valve 34 and thus admits compresed air from the Supply pipe 35 into the upper end of the lifter pad actuating cylinder 24. This air forces the piston 25 and the lifter pad I 'I downwardly toward the table or platform H.

When the articles A are fully seated on the table or platform H the vacuum maintained within the vacuum cups F is dissipated to release the articles from the cups. This breaking of the vacuum is effected by the opening of a normally closed electric switch I|3 (Fig. 2) which is engaged by the lifter pad l1 as it approaches the bottom of its downward stroke. The switch is connected to the solenoids 63, 'I4 (Fig. 6) of the venting and vacuumizing mechanism" hereinbefore mentioned. When this switch is opened, the de-energized solenoid 63 becomes energized and this opens the vent valve 53 and permitsi air at atmospheric pressure to enter the mechanism and thus break the vacuum. Simultaneously with this action, the energized solenoid 'I4 becomes deenergized and this closes the vacuum valve 54 and thus cuts off the mechanism from the source of vacuum.

The dissipation of the vacuum in the ventvacuum mechanism also aiects the diaphragm control device J connected therewith and thus permits the spring 94 in the device to return the 8 diaphragm 8T to its normal position. This recloses the electric switch 93 (Fig. 4) for a a repeat operation.

In order to insure full release of the articles A from the gripper cups F before the lifter pad returns to its elevated position, as hereinbefore mentioned, the lifter pad is restrained from lifting until the vacuum in the vent-vacuum mechanism has dropped or has been reduced to a degree which is insufficient to hold the articles on the gripper cups F. This is brought about by a low vacuum diaphragm control device K (Fig. 4) which is a part of the control mechanism G.

The control device K (Fig. 4) is similar to the control device J and comprises a vertically disposed housing I4 having a chamber I5 which is connected to and communicates with the T type tting 82 and the control device J and the ventvacuum mechanism attached thereto, by a short pipe I I6 secured in the tting. The chamber I I5 is closed and sealed by a cover II 'I secured to the housing I4. A flexible and yieldable diaphragm ||8 is secured in the joint 'between the housing and the cover. This diaphragm carries a button IIB, the upper surface of which engages against a movable element of a normally open electric switch |20 carried on the cover This switch is connected through suitable circuits with the valve solenoid 42 which controls the lifting of the lifter pad I'I.

The button IIS is held normally against the cover III, to keep the switch |20 open, by a counterpressure compression spring |2| which is located within the housing ||4 and is interposed between the button H5 and a retaining member |22. This retaining member is seated on the upper or inner end of a manually operated adjusting screw |23 which is threadedly secured in the bottom of the housing I |4.

Thus by manually adjusting the screw |23, the counterpressure of the spring |2| against the diaphragm I8 may be changed and set at a predetermined amount. After an adjustment of the pressure on the spring, the screw may be locked in position by a lock nut |24 threadedly attached to the screw. The adjustment of the pressure on the diaphragm is made in accordance with the weight of the articles A being handled in the machine .so that a relatively low vacuum in the chamber ||5, insufficient to hold the articles A on the gripper cups A, will likewise be insuilicient to overcome the counterpressure of the spring |2| and will thus permit the diaphragm |I8 to flex upwardly into its normal position.

The counterpressure spring I2I in the housing II4v is comparatively lighter than the counterpressure spring 94 in the housing 84 and hence does not exert as much pressure on' the diaphragm |I8 as that exerted by spring 94 on the diaphragm 81.

When a vacuum is createdv in the vent-vacuum mechanism to grip and hold the articles A on the gripper cupsl F, this vacuum affects the control device K as well as the control device J and hence both diaphragms 8l, ||0 of these devices are draw-n down simultaneously against the pressure of their respective counterpressure springs 94, |2I. Thus when the diaphragm By opens its switch 93, the diaphragm ||8l simultaneously closes its switch |20. However, the switch |20 is part of a normally open circuit and the closing ofV this switch only partially closes the circuit without eiect on the solenoidy 42 included therein.

Thus all the while. the vacuum is maintained in the gripper cups F to hold the articles A attached thereto, the normally open switch I2@ is actually closed. The circuit is completely closed through the closing of a normally open electric switch H2 which is closed by the carriage it when it moves into the delivery station C. It is the closing of this switch l|2 and its circuit which includes the closed switch |2ii that re-energizes the valve solenoid 42 and thereby lowers the lifter pad I1 to permit the depos" of the articles A onto the delivery platform l-l. Hence when the vacuum in the vent-vacuum mechanism is broken to release the articles from the gripper cups F, it is simultaneously broken in the chamber II5 of the control device K. However the lifter pad I l cannot return immediately to its elevated position, until the switch is opened and the circuit connecting with the solenoid 42 is broken to de-energize this solenoid. This condition is brought about only when the vacuum in the gripper cups F and in the chamber H5 has dropped to such a low degree that the articles A are entirely free or released from the cups. When this low degree of vacuum, which corresponds to the setting of the counterpressure spring |2|, is reached, the pressure of the spring overcomes the pull of the vacuum and this exes the diaphragm H8 upwardly into its normal position as shown in Fig. (l. This upward eXing of the diaphragm. opens the switch |20 and breaks its circuit as explained above and thus de-energiaes the sole noid 42. 1n this manner control of the movement of the lifter pad |1 is effected to insure positive release of the articles A from the lifter before the pad begins its return stroke.

De-energiZation of the solenoid 42 actuates the air valve as previously described and thus immediately supplies compressed air to the lower end of the cylinder 24 for raising the lifter pad il up from the released articles A, leaving the articles deposited on the platform H (Fig. 2). As soon as the lifter pad l1 returns to its elevated normal position, the carriage I fi returns to its normal position over the platform D as shown in full lines in Fig. 2, in readiness a repeat cycle of operations on the next batch of articles being placed on the platform D. This return movement of the carriage i4 is effected by a cle-energizing of the energized This permits the constant air pressure on the inner end of the cylinder to force the piston and the carriage |4 connected therewith, toward the left as viewed in Fig. 2. It is this action that returns the carriage to its original starting position over the platform D. This comN pletes the cycle of operation of the machine.

Reference should now be had to the wiring diagram in Fig. 6 which schematically shows electric equipment for controlling and operatingthe various solencids and switches hereinbefore mentioned. The cycle ci operation or the machine is started by an electric starting circuit L which like all the other circuits to be hereinafter described are connected with and receive electric current from a generator circuit which includes a generator |25 having a main lead. wire 25 and a return lead wire l2?.

The starting circuit L includes a normally open starting switch |23 mounted 011 the stop member I3 at the receiving station B, a normally closed carriage switch |29 mounted on the main frame I2, the normally closed vacuum control lift switch 93 and the lifter valve solenoid 42. When the articles A are received on the receiving platform D and are located against the stopmember I3 they also engage against the starting switch |28 and close it.

Electric current from the generator |25 passing along the main lead wire |26 also passes along the circuit L, along a connecting wire |30, through the closed switch |28, a connecting wire I 3|, closed carriage switch |29, a connecting wire 532, closed vacuum switch 93, a connecting wire |33, the lifter valve solenoid 42, returning along a connecting wire |34 to the return lead wire |21.

Electric current passing along the circuit L energizes the lifter valve solenoid 42 and thus opens the valve to permit compressed air to flow into the lifter cylinder 24 and thus lower the lifter pad and its vacuum cups F into engagement with the articles A on the platform D as hereinbefore explained. As soon as the lifter pad I 1 starts to move down it opens a normally closed switch |35 mounted on the carriage I4 and closes an integrally formed normally open switch |36 having a common switch element which engages against the upper surface of the lifter pad. The actuation of these switches performs no function at this time, their efect on the various circuits being reserved for a later period in the cycle of operation.

When the descending lifter pad |1 reaches the bottomof its stroke and engages the articles A, it also engages and closes the normally open switch 16 hereinbefore mentioned. Closing of this switch does two things. It establishes a vacuumizing circuit M which includes the normally de-energized vacuumizing solenoid 14 of the vent-vacuum mechanism and also closes a relay circuit N which includes a normally deenergized relay solenoid |31. In the vacuumizing circuit M electric current passes from the generator lead wire |26 along a wire |38, through the closed switch 16, along connecting wires |4|, |42, |43 to and through the vacuumizing valve solenoid 14 and returns along a wire |44 to the return lead wire I 21. rThis current energizes the vacuum valve solenoid 14 and thus opens the vacuumizing valve 54 (Fig. 4) to vacuumize the cups F in engagement with the articles A.

Current passing along this vacuumizing circuit M also passes along the relay circuit N, the current passing from the wire |4I through the relay solenoid |31 and returns along a conecting wire |45 to the return lead wire |21. Current passingalong this circuit N energizes the relay solenoid |31 and thereby opens a normally closed relay switch |46 included in a vent circuit O and also closes a normally open relay switch |41 included in a vacuum holding circuit P.

In the vent circuit O, electric current from the generator lead Wire |25 normally passes along a wire |5|, through the closed relay switch |45, along a connecting wire |52 to and through the normally energized venting valve solenoid 63 or the vent-vacuum mechanism and returns along a wire |53 to the return lead Wire |21. When the relay switch |46 opens, it breaks this circuit O and thereby de-energizes the venting valve solenoid S3. This closes the vent valve 53 (Fig. 4) as hereinbefore explained and cuts off the atmosphere to the system so that the vacuum cups F can be vacuumized.

Since the vacuum pull on theY cups Fandtheir engaged articles A isy maintained while the lifter pad i1 lifts the containers off the platform' D and transfers them to the table or platform H, provision is made for holding the relay solenoid 31 energized when the lifter pad I1 rises and thereby releases and opens the switch 16. It is for this purpose that the vacuum holding circuit P is established by the closing of the relay switch |41. When this switch is closed. electric current from the generator lead wire |26 passes along a wire |54 (at the right in Fig. 6) through the normally closed switch II3, along a wire I 55, through the closed relay switch |41, along wire |42, through the energized relay solenoid |31, returning along wire |45 of the circuit N to the return lead wire |21'. .This current maintains the relay solenoid |31 in its energized condition.

When a predetermined or suiiiciently high amount of vacuum is created in the vacuum lines connecting with the vacuum cups F tol assure the gripping and holding of the articles A so that they may be raised with the lifter pad I1, the high vacuum diaphragm control J functions to open the normally closed vacuum lift switch 93. This opens and thereby breaks the starting cirYA cuit L to the solenoid 42 of the air valve 34. The breaking of this circuit operates` the air valve 34 (Fig. to allow air to enter the lower end of the cylinder 24 while venting the upper part for effecting the lifting of the lifter pad I1 and the articles A held by the cups F, from the platform D. As the articles A rise from the platform D they move away from and release and open the starting switch |28 of the starting circuit L for a repeat cycle of operation.

When the lifter pad I1 reaches the top of its stroke, holding the articles A in suspension, it engages and closes the switch |35 and opens its cooperating switch |36. Closing of the switch 35 establishes a circuit R which is an extension of the circuit P and which is utilized for the purpose of shifting the transfer carriage I4 forward for transferring the suspended articles A into a position over the delivery platform H. The circuit R includes the normally de-energized solenoid III of the carriage air valve |01 which admits air into the transfer cylinder I0| for actuating the carriage.

Tracing the ow of current through the combined circuits P and R, the current passes from the generator lead wire |26 along the wire |54 of circuit P (at the right in the diagram Fig. 6), through the closed switch II3, along wire |55, through closed relay switch |41, along a wire |53 of circuit R, through the closed switch |35, along a wire |51 and a connecting wire ISI to and through the carriage solenoid I I I returning along a wire |52 to the return lead; wire |21. Current passing along this circuit energizes the solenoid III and thus opens the air valve |01 and effects the shifting of the carriage I4 to its forward position (as viewed at the right in Fig. 2).

As the carriage I4 begins its shifting it moves away from the stationary switch |29 at the left of the carriage and this opens the switch and insures against rfc-energizing the lifter padsolenoid 122 during movement of the carriage. When the carriage I4 reaches its forward position over the delivery platform H (Fig. 2) it engages and closes the normally open switch ||2.

The closing of the switch I I2 establishes a circuit S which includes the lifter solenoid 42 and the normally closed Vacuum release switch of the diaphragm control device K. The switch |20 remains` closed. as long as sufficient vacuum is maintained in the systel l to hold the articles A against the vacuu.A cups F. The circuit S is utilized to re-energize the lifter solenoid 42 to open the air valve 34 (Fig. 5) and thus lower the lifter pad I? and the articles A toward the delivery table or platform H. For this re-energizing operation. electric current from the generator lead wire IES passes along awire IGS of circuit S (extreme right in the diagram Fig. 6) through the closed switch iIZ, a wire |84, through the closed switch |23, along a connecting wire |65, through the solenoid 52, returning along wire |34 to the return lead wire |21.

In order .to prevent breaking of the circuit R so as tc hold the carriage solenoid III energized and' to maintain the carriage il: in its forward position over the delivery platform H when the lifter pad i1 moves down and away from the switch |35 and again opens it, a relay holding circuit T is provided' which bj1-passes the control switch |35. This circuit receives electric current from the wire |51 of circuit the current passing through a relay solenoid IGE. returning along a wire IE? to the return lead wire |21. Current passing along this circuit cnergizes the relay solenoid and thereby cle es a normally open relay switch I1! actuated by this solenoid.

The closing of the relay switch |1I establishes the lay-pass portion of the circuitJ T and provides for the continued energization of the carriage solenoid. I II during the interval when the si 1itch |35 is opening and the switch |36 is closing, during which interval both switches are cpen. In this Icy-pass portion of the circuit T, current from the wire |56 of the circuit R passes along a connecting wire |12, through the closed relay switch ill, wire i, carriage solenoid IIE and wire |82 to the return lead wire |21. Current also passes from the closed. relay switch |1| along the wire |51 to and through the relay solenoid |55 and wire |61 to the return lead wire I2" to maintain the relay solenoid I 5.3 energized and the relay switch |1| closed.

When the lifter pad |1 descends far enough to close the switch |35 a new holding circuit U is formed which includes the switch |38 and which cuts out the relay switch I1I for the purpose of subsequently breaking the carriage solenoid IIl. Current for this circuit U is received from the circuit S, the current passing from the generator lead wire |26 along the wire |53 and through the closed switch II 2 or" circuit S, then along a wire |13 of circuit U, through the closed switch |35, along a wire |14 and wires |51, IGI to and through the carriage solenoid II and along wire |62 to the return lead wire |21.

When the lifter pad I1 reaches the bottom of its down stroke and deposits the articles A on the delivery table or platform H, the vacuum in the Vacuum cups F is broken to release the articles A therefrom and to leave them on the table. This is effected by the pad at the bottom of its stroke engaging against and opening the switch ||3 in circuit P. This breaks the circuit P and that portion of circuit N which includes the relay solenoid |31. The solenoid |31 thereupon becomes deenergized and this returns the relay switch |46 to its normally closed condition and simultaneously returns the relay switch |41 to its normally open condition.

Opening of the relay switch |41 breaks that portion of circuit R. which leads into the by-pass portion of circuit T and thus de-energizes the relay solenoid |66 and opens the relay switch |1I at said station before its transfer, said means in the other of said control devices governing the movement of said transfer device during the release of said article at another of said stations to insure full release of the article after its transfer and before further movement of said transfer device.

4. In a machine for transferring articles from one station to another, the combination of a transfer device movable between said stations, suction cup gripper means on said transfer device for engaging an article at one of said stations and for holding it during transfer into the other station, a control mechanism carried in part by said transfer device and having connection with a source of vacuum for making said gripper means effective and ineffective for holding and releasing said article, said control mechanism including pressure responsive means exposed to and actuated by a predetermined degree of vacuum for delaying movement of said transfer device with the article held by said gripper means until said predetermined degree of vacuum is reached, to insure a secure hold on said article, and means located at the second of said stations and actuated by said transfer device for engaging said control mechanism for breaking said vacuum to release said article from said gripper means.

5. In a machine for transferring articles from a receiving station to a delivery station, the cornbination of a transfer device movable between said stations, gripper means including suction cups on said transfer device for engaging an article at said receiving station and for holding it during transfer into said delivery station, a control mechanism carried in part by said transfer device and having connection with a source of vacuum for making the vacuum effective or ineffective on said gripper means for gripping and releasing said article, said control mechanism including pressure responsive means exposed to and actuated by a predetermined degree of vacuum for delaying movement of said transfer device into said delivery station until said gripper means has established a secure hold on said article, a switch located at said delivery station and engageable by said transfer device to actuate said control mechanism for breaking said vacuum to release said article from said gripper means, and means for adjusting said pressure responsive means to vary the effectiveness of said gripper means when a different predetermined degree of vacuum is employed for holding an. article of a different weight.

6. In a machine for transferring articles from one station to another, the combination of a carriage movable between said stations, a lifter pad mounted on said carriage and movable therewith, means for moving said lifter pad relative to said carriage, suction cups on said lifter pad for engaging articles at one of said stations, vacuum means connecting with said suction cups for holding the engaged articles on said cups, and a control mechanism including a flexible diaphragm exposed to said vacuum means and connected to said lifter pad moving means, said diaphragm being responsive to a predetermined degree of vacuum drawn on said suction cups to actuate said lifter pad moving means to elevate said pad with its held articles after said predetermined degree of vacuum is effective in saidl cups to insure their secure hold on said articles.

7. In a machine for transferring articles from a receiving station to a delivery station, the combination of a carriage movable between said stations, means for moving said carriage in opposite directions to and from said stations, a lifter pad mounted on said carriage and movable therewith, means for moving said lifter pad relative to said carriage, suction cups on said lifter pad for engaging articles at said receiving tion, vacuum means connecting with said suction cups for holding the engaged articles on said cups, a control mechanism including a flexible diaphragm exposed to said vacuum means and connecting with said carriage moving means, said diaphragm being responsive to a predetermined degree of vacuum drawn on said suction cups for delaying the operation of said lifter pad actuating means to prevent premature move-- ment of said pad with its held articles, said control mechanism being further operative to delay operation of said carriage moving means until. said predetermined degree of vacuum is effective in said suction cups to insure a secure hold on said articles, and means located at said delivery station and actuated by said carriage after movement of the carriage into said delivery station for energizing said control means to break said vacuum and release said articles from said cups.

8. In a machine for transferring articles from a receiving station to a delivery station, the conibination of a transfer device, means for moving said transfer device between stations, a source of vacuum, a suction cup on said transfer device and connected to said vacuum source for gripping an article at said receiving station and for holding it during movement of said transfer vice into said delivery station, a vacuum control mechanism carried on said transfer device and including a vacuum valve and a vent valve for respectively making the vacuum effective and ineffective on said gripper means for gripping and releasing said article, said control mechanism further including a pair of flexible diaphragms responsive to said source of vacui for respectively actuating said vacuum and valves, an electric circuit connecting said vacuum and Vent valves and said transfer moving means, and a plurality of electrical means in said electric circuit and operable in accordance with the position of said gripper mean7 and said transfer device relative to said articY one of said switch means being actuated by one of said diaphragms to open said vacuum valve and to simultaneously close said vent valve tu grip an article by said suction cup at said receiving station, another of said switch means bein': thereafter actuated by said transfer device to actuate said moving means to move said transfer device with its gripped article into said delivery station, still another of said switch means being thereafter actuated by the other of said diaphragms to close said vacuum valve and simultaneously open said vent valve to release said article from said suction cup, and a final of said switch means being thereafter actuated by said transfer device to actuate said moving means to return said transfer device to said receiving station.

9. In a machine for transferring articles from one station to another station, the combination of a transfer device movable between said stations, means for moving said transfer device fr .n one station to the other, gripper means carried by said transfer device, vacuum means effective on said gripper means for rendering said gripper means operative for gripping an article at said one station for transfer therefrom and for rendering said gripper means inoperative to release the article at said another station after transfer of the article thereto. means responsive to uid pressure operable by said vacuum means 5 and effective on said moving means to delay movement of said transfer device until said gripper means have been rendered fully operative to insure a secure hold on said article before its transfer, and to delay further movement of said transfer device after transfer of the article until said gripper means have been rendered fully inoperative to insure full release of the transferred article, and movable means at each of said stations engageable by said gripper means to actu- 15 2,609,108

18 ate said vacuum means for the respective purposes described.

JOI-IN E. SOCKE.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 10 1,532,255 Miller Apr. 7, 1925 1,834,499 Richter Dec. 1, 1931 2,247,787 Schmidt July 1, 1941 2,253,283 Minaker Aug. 19, 1941 2,359,433 McNamara. Oct. 3, 1944 Peterson et a1. Sept. 2, 1952 

